OUR TEAM
Team
Sunitha Nazar
MANAGING PARTNER
With strong presence in the Middle East for over a decade in various Regulatory and Compliance positions with Federal and Semi-Government organisations, Sunitha has a proven track record of her forte being Corporate Services, Compliance Services and Legislative Drafting. First-hand experience with establishing and operating Special Economic Zones, handling mergers and acquisitions, advisory services in corporate governance, implementing standard operating procedures and operational framework considering the evolving regulatory requirements for Public and Private sectors. She acts as of-counsel consultant for various projects and investments. She has held o ces of the Registrar of Companies and Deputy Director Compliance with Government and Semi-Government organisations being responsible for Regulatory, Governance & Compliance matters.
Dr. Winand Staring
BUSINESS AMBASSADOR
As a former Dutch Ambassador and U.N. Diplomat, Dr. Staring’s connections are at the highest international level, including high- and top-level decision-makers from business Fortune 500, large companies, financial institutions, family o ces, wealth managers, to embassies, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. With a deep knowledge of the Gulf countries, as a former World Bank consultant, Dutch Ambassador, UN diplomat, and Ambassador-at-Large in the MENA region for The Hague Institute for Global Justice, Dr. Staring facilitates & engages with local authorities, institutions, and communities
Anna Kokareva
LEGAL COUNSEL - MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
Anna focuses her practice on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, international joint ventures and strategic alliances, investments and project finance. In addition to transactional matters, Anna has been advisory to the board of directors on corporate governance, employee benefit schemes and strategic matters, including anti-takeover preparation and defense. She assists high net worth individuals in estate planning, asset protection and succession matters. She is an expert advisor on strategic investment plans, banking options globally and provides advise on structuring and re-structuring of businesses which fits best in terms of tax planning and wealth management.
Erkin Efendiev
LEGAL COUNSEL- REAL ESTATE & INVESTMENTS
Erkin with a strong presence in the Europe and CIS region has expertise in real estate investment, restructuring and insolvency. He possesses a broad range of experience in commercial real estate transactions including investment and development transactions, residential projects as well as acting for both landlords and tenants on commercial occupier work, restructuring and corporate support, He manages portfolio for single family investments in Europe and has experience in dealing with refinancing of commercial premises, development sites and advising on the property aspects of corporate transactions.
Siavash Askarirad
OF COUNSEL- PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL LAW
Siavash an expert in Private & Commercial Law for over 13 years is an experienced and dedicated lawyer with extensive expertise in Investment Law and Commercial Law, facilitating international trade and commerce for clients and advisory services on wealth management. His expertise extends to providing legal advice on investments and FDI opportunities. Closely involved in drafting, implementing and enforcing regulations relevant to foreign investors enhancing a country’s foreign direct investments, Being highly qualified in International Private Law and Transnational Corporations. Siavash does lectures at universities and knowledge transfer with educational institutions as part of his pro-bono activities.
Sunitha Nazar
MANAGING PARTNER
With strong presence in the Middle East for over a decade in various Regulatory and Compliance positions with Federal and Semi-Government organisations, Sunitha has a proven track record of her forte being Corporate Services, Compliance Services and Legislative Drafting. First-hand experience with establishing and operating Special Economic Zones, handling mergers and acquisitions, advisory services in corporate governance, implementing standard operating procedures and operational framework considering the evolving regulatory requirements for Public and Private sectors. She acts as of-counsel consultant for various projects and investments. She has held o ces of the Registrar of Companies and Deputy Director Compliance with Government and Semi-Government organisations being responsible for Regulatory, Governance & Compliance matters.
Dr. Winand Staring
BUSINESS AMBASSADOR
As a former Dutch Ambassador and U.N. Diplomat, Dr. Staring’s connections are at the highest international level, including high- and top-level decision-makers from business Fortune 500, large companies, financial institutions, family o ces, wealth managers, to embassies, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. With a deep knowledge of the Gulf countries, as a former World Bank consultant, Dutch Ambassador, UN diplomat, and Ambassador-at-Large in the MENA region for The Hague Institute for Global Justice, Dr. Staring facilitates & engages with local authorities, institutions, and communities.
Azza Al Mulla
LITIGATION PARTNER
Azza with her experience of over 19 years in Litigation and Corporate practices is now the focal point for legal advice on all civil and commercial matters and for drafting Government Legislations. She is a registered Arbitrator and also a licensed lawyer with the Ministry of Justice in the UAE. Azza through her dedication and perseverance upholds a well-reputed excellence and integrity amongst the judges, regulators and adversaries in the UAE. She is part of multiple committees in the UAE for reviewing, recommending, revising and drafting Federal Legislations. She is the Counsel to the Board of various Private and Public sector organisations.
Anna Kokareva
LEGAL COUNSEL - MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
Anna focuses her practice on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, international joint ventures and strategic alliances, investments and project finance. In addition to transactional matters, Anna has been advisory to the board of directors on corporate governance, employee benefit schemes and strategic matters, including anti-takeover preparation and defense. She assists high net worth individuals in estate planning, asset protection and succession matters. She is an expert advisor on strategic investment plans, banking options globally and provides advise on structuring and re-structuring of businesses which fits best in terms of tax planning and wealth management.
Erkin Efendiev
LEGAL COUNSEL- REAL ESTATE & INVESTMENTS
Erkin with a strong presence in the Europe and CIS region has expertise in real estate investment, restructuring and insolvency. He possesses a broad range of experience in commercial real estate transactions including investment and development transactions, residential projects as well as acting for both landlords and tenants on commercial occupier work, restructuring and corporate support, He manages portfolio for single family investments in Europe and has experience in dealing with refinancing of commercial premises, development sites and advising on the property aspects of corporate transactions.
Siavash Askarirad
OF COUNSEL- PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL LAW
Siavash an expert in Private & Commercial Law for over 13 years is an experienced and dedicated lawyer with extensive expertise in Investment Law and Commercial Law, facilitating international trade and commerce for clients and advisory services on wealth management. His expertise extends to providing legal advice on investments and FDI opportunities. Closely involved in drafting, implementing and enforcing regulations relevant to foreign investors enhancing a country’s foreign direct investments, Being highly qualified in International Private Law and Transnational Corporations. Siavash does lectures at universities and knowledge transfer with educational institutions as part of his pro-bono activities.
Surayya Akeel
OF COUNSEL- PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL LAW MLRO & AML CFT CONSULTANT
Surayya brings over ten years of senior-level experience in AML-CTF compliance and inspections, serving as a Senior Anti Money Laundering Consultant and Head of Inspection within UAE’s free zones and corporate registries. Certified by ACAMS and holding the designation of Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS), she specializes in due diligence, screening, ongoing monitoring, and the development and implementation of inspection and enforcement regimes. Surayya is also adept at providing AML CFT trainings, audit, and advisory services. Her expertise makes her an invaluable asset to our law firm, ensuring robust compliance solutions for our clients.
Farah Azad
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Farah is a dedicated business development professional at TFLC, where she passionately champions our legal and compliance services. With her proactive approach and strategic initiatives, Farah consistently brings significant value to the firm. Her commitment to promoting our offerings ensures that clients receive unparalleled expertise and support, solidifying our reputation as a trusted legal partner in the industry. She actively identifies market opportunities, does networking and builds the clientele and brand for TFLC.
Azza Al Mulla
LITIGATION PARTNER
Azza with her experience of over 19 years in Litigation and Corporate practices is now the focal point for legal advice on all civil and commercial matters and for drafting Government Legislations. She is a registered Arbitrator and also a licensed lawyer with the Ministry of Justice in the UAE. Azza through her dedication and perseverance upholds a well-reputed excellence and integrity amongst the judges, regulators and adversaries in the UAE. She is part of multiple committees in the UAE for reviewing, recommending, revising and drafting Federal Legislations. She is the Counsel to the Board of various Private and Public sector organisations
Farah Azad
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Farah is a dedicated business development professional at TFLC, where she passionately champions our legal and compliance services. With her proactive approach and strategic initiatives, Farah consistently brings significant value to the firm. Her commitment to promoting our offerings ensures that clients receive unparalleled expertise and support, solidifying our reputation as a trusted legal partner in the industry. She actively identifies market opportunities, does networking and builds the clientele and brand for TFLC.
Surayya Akeel
MLRO & AML CFT CONSULTANT
Surayya brings over ten years of senior-level experience in AML-CTF compliance and inspections, serving as a Senior Anti Money Laundering Consultant and Head of Inspection within UAE’s free zones and corporate registries. Certified by ACAMS and holding the designation of Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS), she specializes in due diligence, screening, ongoing monitoring, and the development and implementation of inspection and enforcement regimes. Surayya is also adept at providing AML CFT trainings, audit, and advisory services. Her expertise makes her an invaluable asset to our law firm, ensuring robust compliance solutions for our clients.
